Portland State University will host a full week of events celebrating and commemorating the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. In addition to library exhibits, films, a musical performance and a panel discussion on poverty, PSU will once again participate in "A Day On, Not a Day Off," an annual day of service organized as a tribute to Dr. King by the University's Student Leaders for Service. PSU also welcomes Ambassador Andrew Young as the "Living the Legacy" guest lecturer.
For almost 50 years, civil rights icon Andrew Young has worked tirelessly in service to his country and to his community. His career includes seven years as the mayor of Atlanta, three terms as a U.S. Congressman, an appointment under President Jimmy Carter as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and an appointment by President Bill Clinton to the chairmanship of the Southern Africa Enterprise Development Fund. The co-founding principal and chairman of GoodWorks International, Young also serves on the board of directors for numerous businesses and organizations and is active in equally numerous charitable activities. He is the author of two books, A Way Out of No Way and An Easy Burden, and is currently working on a memoir about Africa.
Media inquiries should be directed to Kerri Griesbeck at 503-725-8794 or [email protected].
MLK Commemoration Events at Portland State University
"A Day On, Not a Day Off"
Monday, Jan. 19, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., VOZ Hire Site, 240 NE MLK Blvd. This annual Student Leaders for Service tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King will partner PSU students, faculty and staff volunteers with Portland VOZ, an organization that supports day laborers in the city.
Volunteers will be painting a mural, organizing the main office, cleaning up the neighborhood and participating in workshops designed to encourage interaction between volunteers. Visit www.pdx.edu/cae/studentleaders.html for more information or to register.
"Living the Legacy: The Senator Avel Gordly Papers"
Tuesday, Jan. 20, Portland State Library, first floor, 1875 SW Park Ave.
This commemorative exhibit introduces the works of one of Oregon's finest public servants. Senator Avel Gordly spent three terms in the House of Representatives followed by three terms in the Oregon State Senate. She is the first African-American woman elected to the Oregon Senate in the history of the state. Senator Gordly has now accepted a position as associate professor in the Department of Black Studies at Portland State and has gifted her papers to the PSU Library. They will be displayed Monday, Jan. 12, through Friday, Feb. 27.
This exhibit is free and open to the public.
"Living the Legacy: The Drawings & Paintings of Crystal Rose Hudelson" (recipient of the PSU African-American Visual Arts Scholarship) Wednesday, Jan. 21, Portland State Library, first floor, 1875 SW Park Ave.
This commemorative exhibit, showcasing a promising student artist, will be displayed Monday, Jan. 12 through Friday, Feb. 27. The exhibit is free and open to the public.
Student Interactive Session
Thursday, Jan. 22, 3 – 4:30 p.m., Smith Memorial Student Union, room 327-9, 1825 SW Broadway.
Ambassador Andrew Young introduces an organized discussion about the facets of local poverty and what can be done by us to help. The panel will include the executive director of Portland Impact, three students from PSU and several other community organizers/activists. Women's Studies instructor Roslyn Farrington will moderate This event is open to the public.
"Living the Legacy" Lecture and Performance Thursday, Jan. 22, at 7 p.m., Smith Memorial Student Union, Ballroom 327, 1825 SW Broadway.
The marquee event of the MLK tribute, this year's evening lecture will feature civil rights icon Ambassador Andrew Young. There will also be a special musical performance by E.D. Mondane & Belief.
Admission is $10 for the general public, free with any valid student ID.
Call 503-725-3307 for more information.
Film: "Paul Jacobs and the Nuclear Gang" Friday, Jan. 23, at 7 p.m., PSU's 5th Avenue Cinema, 510 SW Hall.
Saul Landau is an award-winning filmmaker, journalist and author whose focus is mainly domestic policy and cultural issues. Following the film, there will be a discussion with Landau, the producer and director.
Admission is free; donations to the Oregon Food Bank will be accepted at the door.
Documentary: "From Protest to Resistance." Saturday, Jan. 24, at 7 p.m., PSU's 5th Avenue Cinema, 510 SW Hall. This documentary captures the rapid changes in the students' movement of the 1960s that brought forth the pacifist anti-war movement, the free speech movement and the Black power struggle. A discussion with movie producer and director Saul Landau will also follow the screening.
Admission is free; donations to the Oregon Food Bank will be accepted at the door.
